Greenpeace and hackers target UK iPhone launch

Hackers aim to unlock iPhone 'within hours' while Greenpeace protestors promise action to highlight environmental impact of materials used in the device's construction.

By
Jonny Evans
| 06 Nov 07

Hackers and Greenpeace protestors are both promising to do their bit to undermine the UK iPhone launch this week.

Apple will ship iPhones in the UK with new software designed to block iPhone hackers from unlocking the iPhone, or breaking into the device in order to add additional applications.

Hackers aren't happy, and have sworn to unlock the device "within hours" of the launch, according to a report in The Guardian.

Apple vice president Greg Joswiak told The Guardian that Apple would resist any unlocking of its handsets, confirming comments of CEO Steve Jobs, who said: "It's a cat and mouse game. People will break in; it's our job to stop them."

Meanwhile protestors from Greenpeace plan some form of public action to protest at the iPhone's use of hazardous materials in its construction - even though the device sits firmly within existing government guidelines, such as the European Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive.

Apple says it has pledged to eliminate the use of PVC and brominated flame retardants in its products by the end of next year. Greenpeace wants more as it targets the company: "If Apple really wants to reinvent the phone, it needs to design out all hazardous substances and materials from its handsets and peripherals," the group said.